'Industry Insiders' Believe AirPower Will Cost Around $149 and Work With All Three 2018 iPhones

[MacRumors]

Apple previewed its multi-device AirPower charging mat at its iPhone X event last September, and confirmed that it will be released at some point in 2018, but it has yet to reveal how much it will cost.

According to Chinese website Chongdiantou (via LoveiOS), however, so-called "industry insiders" speculate that the AirPower will be priced around 1,000 Chinese yuan, which is roughly $145 based on the current exchange rate. Rounding, this suggests the AirPower could cost around $149 in the United States.

Chongdiantou is the same source that recently leaked photos of what is claimed to be an engineering prototype of Apple's faster 18-watt USB-C power adapter for 2018 iPhones, but overall, the publication lacks an established track record, so this information should be viewed with some skepticism.

According to the oft-reliable Mark Gurman, Apple aims to release the AirPower by the end of September, so there's a good chance its pricing and availability will be confirmed at Apple's usual September event, alongside a trio of new iPhones, Apple Watch Series 4 models, new AirPods with "Hey Siri" support, and more.

$149 would be pricy for a wireless charging mat, but the AirPower can inductively charge multiple Apple devices at the same time, including the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, and Apple Watch Series 3 models. It will also work with AirPods when placed in an optional wireless charging case, likely available next month.

Chongdiantou also recently claimed that all three iPhones expected to be released in 2018 will feature wireless charging, including an all-new 6.1-inch iPhone, making them all compatible with AirPower.

AirPower's ability to charge multiple devices is achieved with a propriety technology developed by Apple. Apple said it will work to have its technology become part of the universal Qi standard supported by many devices, so there's a good chance we'll see true multi-device mats from other companies eventually.

Of note, the AirPower has yet to be authorized by the FCC, a requirement for sale in the United States, according to Apple's website.

Article Link: 'Industry Insiders' Believe AirPower Will Cost Around $149 and Work With All Three 2018 iPhones

 

[macduke]

That's more than I was hoping to pay. I figured it would be $99-129. Would be great if it could at least do 10W charging like other smartphones using the new iPhone. I'd also like to know how exactly it's supposed to work with the Apple Watch. I have the link bracelet and milanese loop on my Series 0 which I will be upgrading this autumn. Do we have to take apart our closed loop bands to use this? If so that kills the convenience factor for me and I will likely not buy it.

 

[ayale99]

After using a wireless charger that keeps my phone upright, I can't see myself going back to one that has to be laid down flat.

 

[Shanghaichica]

£159 is a fair price. Can't wait for this.

 

[levitynyc]

I would have laughed if this was $99.

At $149, I can't even muster an emotion to display how ridiculous this is.

 

[555gallardo]

Considering all 2017 iPhones are compatible with wireless charging, I wonder how hard was it for those industry insiders to figure out that it would apply to all three 2018 models.

 

[rrm74001]

Overpriced and way late to market.

 

[Ghost31]

I would have laughed if this was $99.

At $149, I can't even muster an emotion to display how ridiculous this is.

Paying for things is ridiculous

 

[HiVolt]

I hope that they would also release a cheaper, single-device only wireless charging solution. I've tried two different 3rd party mats, and they don't work too well with my iPhone 8. I wouldn't mind an Apple solution, but I don't need the big multi device unit.

 

[naturalstar]

The last rumor was $199, so maybe by the time it actually comes out, it will be $99.

 

[MrGimper]

I'll stick to my £12 Anker wireless charger and my Apple "Donut" watch charger thanks.

 

[movielad]

$149 will be £149 in the UK. Add to that the cost of a new case for AirPods, and it'll be too darn pricey.

 

[tjleonard]

For those that say it’s overpriced, you haven’t even seen it yet. It may dance...charge 10x faster, and In a 20 ft radius. /s

 

[Dave245]

Overpriced and way late to market.

As far as i'm aware Apple's Airpower is the only wireless charger that can charge 3 devices at the same time and when placed anywhere on the mat.

 

[philipglamb]

I can't wait to spend $150 to charge my phone at night.

 

[Rogifan]

Who is an industry insider?

 

[Return Zero]

$129, I'm calling it now.

 

[RedGala]

I won’t even consider it if it’s over $100

 

[Return Zero]

Who is an industry insider?

Name it and claim it

 

[ctg7w6]

Oops I totally forgot about this product until seeing this news post. In the meantime I’ve had a wonderful experience with third party chargers and feel no need to purchase this (for ~6 times the price?). Also, it’s a mat. My current solution has my devices upright so that I can see their screens when at my desk.

I guess a mat could be useful in a bedroom?

 

[dominiongamma]

Overpriced and way late to market.

I dunno how it’s late because even though it was delayed, chargers aren’t going anywhere, I would trust this product then the ones on amazon that look cheap

 

[Appleaker]

I would have laughed if this was $99.

At $149, I can't even muster an emotion to display how ridiculous this is.

I don’t think people realize that until it’s compared against other (Apple) products. It’s the starting price of the Apple TV 4K, which alone makes it ridiculous without considering price the included accessories.

Either they’re using really expensive coils or Apples making a lot more money on this. Although on the other hand, it’s also the same price as their leather MacBook sleeve.

In all seriousness, it’s not surprising as it was expected to be $129-$159.
The most balanced price point would probably be $59-$79.

 

[Bornee35]

I'll stick to my £12 Anker wireless charger and my Apple "Donut" watch charger thanks.

"I won't spend £115 for a three device charger" says guy who's spent £90 on two.

 

[cashville2400]

For that price it better charge all iPhones that are capable.

 

[rudedude]

With the least expensive wireless charger that Apple sells in stores priced at $49, $149 seems in line with what the AirPower mat should cost seeing as how the AirPower charges 3 devices instead of just 1. Definitely better than the previously rumored $199!